Tribunals and Courts: Awards of Costs

Lord Wedderburn of Charlton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether any awards of costs have been made within the past five years in respect of time spent by a party in preparing his or her case:
	(c) where the party was legally represented; or
	(d) where the party was not so represented, in any of the following:
	(iv) planning inquiries;
	(v) tribunals; and
	(vi) courts; and, if so, on what principles and authorities these awards were made and what was the range of amounts involved in such awards.

Lord Irvine of Lairg: It is likely that awards of costs have been made in one or more of the circumstances described in the noble Lord's Question but there is no information held centrally on such awards. It is therefore not possible to say on what principles and authorities any such awards were made or what range of amounts were involved.

Tribunals and Courts: Awards of Costs

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they intend to answer the Question tabled by the Lord Wedderburn of Charlton on 9 January (HL2256), about the award of costs in tribunals and courts, before the Committee stage of the Employment Bill is concluded.

Lord Irvine of Lairg: I have replied to Lord Wedderburn today. Rebo

House of Lords Appointments: Applicants

Lord Jacobs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Chancellor on 25 April (WA 45) what qualities or qualifications distinguished the 51 applicants to the House of Lords Appointments Commission who were selected for interview from the 3,115 who were not?

Lord Irvine of Lairg: As published in its information pack for prospective applicants, the commission applied the following criteria in considering nominations:
	the ability to demonstrate outstanding personal qualities, in particular integrity and independence;
	a strong personal commitment to the principles and highest standards of public life;
	a record of significant achievement within their chosen field that demonstrates a range of experience, skills and competencies;
	the ability to make an effective and significant contribution to the work of the House of Lords;
	some understanding of the constitutional framework, including the place of the House of Lords and the skills and qualities needed to be an effective Member of the House;
	the time available to ensure that they can make an effective contribution within the procedures and working practices of the House; and
	independence from any political party.
	I understand that the 51 people the commission interviewed were those whom it judged, on the basis of their nomination forms and CVs, to be the most outstanding against its published assessment criteria.

Castlereagh Police Complex: Security

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether all domestic and support staff employed at the Castlereagh police complex are security cleared; and if so, to what level.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: I have been informed by the Acting Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland that domestic and support staff working at the Castlereagh police complex are vetted to a level equivalent to the counter terrorist check, by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Castlereagh Police Complex: Security

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether it would be possible for any paramilitary group involved in the break-in to the Castlereagh police complex on 17 March still to be regarded as on ceasefire.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The criminal investigation into the break in at Castlereagh police station is continuing and the Acting Chief Constable has advised me that the PSNI is actively pursuing lines of inquiry. It would not be right for me to speculate on hypothetical outcomes of the investigation.

Privy Council Office: Heritage Assets

Lord Freyberg: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Williams of Mostyn on 11 April (WA 133), whether they will give full details of the antique furniture and heritage antique silver that is held by the Privy Council Office.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			 Item Value £ 
			 Furniture  
			 William IV figured mahogany cupboard 1,380 
			 Set of four William IV mahogany chairs 4,600 
			 Lifesize Victoran white marble bust of Henry Reeve, by John Bell 633 
			 Table, regency mahogany 805 
			 Set of 36 carved oak side chairs, circa 1830 34,500 
			 Sovereign's chair en-suite to the set of 36 chairs 2,875 
			 Set of 5 Victorian gothic oak open arm chairs 3,450 
			 Oak trestle table c1860 575 
			 Bookcase, c1875 8,625 
			 Bookcase 10,350 
			 Chair, Victorian rosewood bar back standard on turned legs. Set of 9 1,380 
			 Set of ten William IV oak hall chairs 2,875 
			 Victorian bronze bust of Lord Brougham 1,725 
			 William IV mahogany panelled kneehole desk 1,380 
			 Victorian mahogany 4 door bookcase 1,438 
			 William IV figured mahogany cupboad 920 
			 Cupboard 920 
			 William IV figures mahogany cupboard 1,265 
			 Victorian mahogany buffet 633 
			 12 William IV mahogany side chairs 2,875 
			 Regency style mahogany table 1,725 
			 Regency rosewood writing table 748 
			 Victorian mahogany semi-partners desk 2,300 
			 Set of George IV mahogany side chairs 1,150 
			 Figured mahogany bracket clock 920 
			 Georgian style mahogany partners desk 863 
			 William IV mahogany tambour fronted writing desk 920 
			 William IV mahogany cupboard 920 
			 Georgian mahogany bookcase 5,750 
			 Victorian open bookcase 5,520 
			 Late Victorian mahogany partners desk 1,380 
			 William IV mahogany two drawer writing table 633 
			 Regency mahogany circular table 863 
			 Early Victorian mahogany cupboard 575 
			 William IV mahogany desk 1,035 
			 Victorian mahogany framed gentleman's easy chair 690 
			 George III style mahogany breakfront bookcase 2,013 
			 William IV mahogany cupboard 1,380 
			 Wiliam IV mahogany kneehole desk 1,208 
			  
			 Silver  
			 7 James II candlesticks 125,000 
			 5 Queen Anne candlesticks 25,000 
			 6 James II inkstands 800,000 
			 3 similar inkstands 250,000 
			 6 Queen Anne inkstands 700,000 
			 James II snuffer tray 30,000 
			 6 similar snuffer trays 85,000 
			 James II casket 150,000 
			 Queen Anne casket 125,000 
			 Victorian water jug 125 
			 Pair of candlesticks 125 
			 Oval meat dish 60 
			 2 inkpots 40 
			 Salver 400

Provisional IRA

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether their policy changed in any way following the conviction for gun-running to Northern Ireland of Provisional IRA men in Florida; and, if so, how.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The then Secretary of State reviewed the status of the Provisional IRA ceasefire in August 1999. Her overall judgment, on advice from her security advisers, was that, taking all the available information into account, the Provisional IRA was maintaining its ceasefire. The courts subsequently upheld that decision.
	The Government's consistent position has been that there must be trust and confidence in order to sustain political progress. If there is to be confidence that there is a wholehearted commitment to exclusively peaceful means, there needs to be an end to all paramilitary activity, including preparations for terrorism.

Northern Ireland: Linguistic Diversity

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Given the promise of total equality and parity of esteem outlined in the Belfast agreement of 1998, what is the policy of the Northern Ireland Office towards the languages of (a) Ulster Scots and (b) Irish.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: As I indicated in my Answer to the noble Lord of 1 May, Official Report col. WA 133, the Belfast agreement affirmed the parties recognition of the "importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland, the Irish language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland".
	The Northern Ireland Office fully supports all aspects of the Belfast agreement and works to ensure that there is equality and respect for the diverse languages, including Irish and Ulster-Scots, which form part of the cultural wealth of Northern Ireland. Rebo

Peers' Expenses Scheme: Motor Mileage and Bicycle Allowances

Lord Jenkin of Roding: asked the Chairman of Committees:
	Whether the motor mileage and bicycle allowances within the Peers' expenses scheme have been uprated.

Lord Tordoff: The Resolution of the House of 20 July 1994 provided for the rate of the motor mileage allowance to be uprated annually on 1 April in line with the increase in the retail prices index over the previous 12 months to March.
	Accordingly, with effect from 1 April 2002, the rate of the motor mileage allowance was increased to 54.4 pence for the first 20,000 miles for the period to 31 March 2003. Further mileage in this period is payable at the rate pf 25.1 pence per mile.
	The Resolution of the House of 20 May 1998 provided for the rate of the bicycle allowance to be uprated annually on 1 April in line with the increase in the retail prices index over the previous 12 months to March.
	Accordingly, with effect from 1 April 2002, the rate of the bicycle allowance was increased to 7.0 pence per mile.

Labour Party Manifesto Commitments 2001

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many commitments were contained in the general election manifesto of 2001 on the basis of which the Government were elected.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: The Government were elected on their record. The contents of their manifesto were published during the campaign.

Middle East

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the statement by the Leader of the House on 10 April (HL Deb, cols. 430-431) after the Prime Minister's visit to President Bush, and pursuant to his reference to "unlawful" and "illegal" settlements on the West Bank, what is the difference between an "unlawful" and an "illegal" settlement.

Baroness Amos: There is no difference between an "unlawful" and an "illegal" settlement. The Government's view on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories is clear: they are illegal under international law, they are an obstacle to peace, and their growth should be frozen immediately, as recommended by the Mitchell commitee report which both parties accepted. In the long term, the existence of settlements must be addressed as a central part of the solution to the conflict. Camp David and Taba provide the framework for this process. Rebo

FCO Antiques Register

Lord Freyberg: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Antiques Register compiled for heritage items held in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's home estate properties is available to the public; and, if not, whether they will make it available to the public.

Baroness Amos: The FCO records of the antiques held in FCO buildings in London and at posts overseas are available in London for inspection on request. There are valid security reasons for not placing such data freely in the public domain.

Zimbabwe: Former British Nationals

Lord Howell of Guildford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they are in a position to extend help and advice through the British High Commission in Harare, or other agencies, to those farmers and their families who previously held British passports but now hold Zimbabwean passports and have been forcibly evicted from their property without compensation.

Baroness Amos: Our consular staff in Harare are always ready to provide advice where they properly can. This in some cases may involve representations on behalf of British nationals to the Zimbabwean authorities. But it is not Her Majesty's Government's policy to provide assistance to former British nationals, and we would have no basis in international law for doing so. Rebo

Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill: Consultation

Lord Jacobs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 24 April (WA 31-32):
	(d) what was the bargain between the interested parties;
	(e) why it is not possible to say who were the interested parties representing the leaseholders; and
	(f) whether it is possible to say who were the parties representing the landlords with whom this agreement was struck.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: As previously stated, the Government's proposals for commonhold and leasehold reform were the subject of extensive consultation with landlords, leaseholders and other interested parties. The resulting Act was designed to strike a fair balance between the legitimate interests of those different groups. The "bargain" is, therefore, contained in the provisions of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.
	As I explained in my Written Answer on 1 May (WA 31-32), information regarding all those who responded to our consultation exercises in 1998 and 2000 are available to the public, with the exception of those who asked for their responses to be treated as confidential. These included 700 to 800 leaseholders, leaseholders' resident associations and leaseholder representative organisations. Furthermore, 34 landlords and landlords' representatives responded to the first consultation exercise and 66 to the second. Analyses of the responses to both consultations can be found in the Library of the House together with details of those who responded. DTLR Ministers also met representatives from the Leasehold Enfranchisement Association, the Campaign for the Abolition of Residential Leasehold and the British Property Federation. Rebo

Internet "Cookies"

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the use of "cookies" to create online profiles of Internet users is contrary to the Data Protection Act 1998.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: It is for the Information Commissioner, in the first instance, to give guidance on the interpretation of the Data Protection Act 1998. She carries out this function independently of the Government.
	The commissioner has issued guidance on the implications of using "cookies" to build up profiles of visitors to websites. This is available on the commissioner's own website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk, or from her office at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF. I have also placed a copy in the House Library.

Internet "Cookies"

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they agree with the European Parliament's Committee on Citizens' Freedom, Justice and Home Affairs that Internet users should not be warned in advance when a website installs a "cookie" on their hard drive.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The UK and other member states are currently considering the amendments proposed by the European Parliament's Citizen's Freedom, Justice and Home Affairs Committee to the Council's common position on the Communications Data Protection Directive, including the provisions on cookies, and whether there are areas where it would be right to compromise. The Council will take a collective decision on this. Rebo

Consignia

Baroness Miller of Hendon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In the light of their commitment during the passage of the Postal Services Bill through this House, that in connection with acquisitions and disposals, the Post Office would conform to the reporting requirements of the Stock Exchange, why the Post Office did not immediately announce publicly the failure of the recent negotiations.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: During the passage of the Postal Services Bill, I said that it was our intention "that the Post Office company should provide transparent information on completed acquisitions and disposals along the lines of the London Stock Exchange disclosure requirements;" (Official Report, 29 June 2000, col 1118). Such a requirement has been placed on the company (now Consignia Holdings plc) in Article 13 of the company's articles of association. The company's recent discussions with TPG did not reach a point that required any announcement to be made under either the articles of association or the requirements of the Stock Exchange.
	Under Chapter 9. paragraph 9.4 of the UK Listing Authority Sourcebook, a company need not notify a regulatory information service about impending developments or matters in the course of negotiation. In addition, the possible merger negotiations between Consignia and TPG did not reach a stage where an announcement was required under section 2.2 of the Takeover Panel's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

Consignia

Baroness Miller of Hendon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In the light of their commitment during the passage of the Postal Services Bill through this House that, in connection with acquisitions and disposals, the Post Office would conform to the reporting requirements of the Stock Exchange, what were the terms of the failed transaction that were being negotiated; what was the reason for the failure of the negotiations; and why the Post Office has not announced them.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The terms of the transaction being discussed were commercially confidential both to Consignia but also to TPG which is a listed company. After a number of discussions with TPG, Consignia decided that a deal was not possible on acceptable terms. The Government agreed with this judgment.
	Under Chapter 9. paragraph 9.4 of the UK Listing Authority Sourcebook, a company need not notify a regulatory information service about impending developments or matters in the course of negotiation. In addition, the possible merger negotiations between Consignia and TPG did not reach a stage where an announcement was required under section 2.2 of the Takeover Panel's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Rebo

3G Spectrum Licences

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they believe that there is a legitimate case for spectrum-trading between the licences for 3G spectrum.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The Government support spectrum trading in principle and are committed to its introduction now that the necessary changes have been made to EC legislation. These take effect in July 2003. The independent review of radio spectrum management, to which we plan to respond in the summer, strongly endorsed this policy and recommended that trading should be introduced widely as soon as possible, including for mobile public telecommunications such as 3G. Meanwhile, we will shortly be consulting on the specific details of trading implemention, including the services for which it should be introduced and the restrictions that should apply.

3G Spectrum Licences

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether there is adequate scope for competition between, and innovation by, the licences for 3G spectrum; and how this is affected by the current difficulties in the telecommunications sector.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: By assigning the spectrum licences for third generation (3G) mobile telecommunications services by auction, the Government ensured that the licences went to those that valued them the most and are likely to make the best use of them. The auction also introduced a new entrant to the UK market for mobile telecommunications, which will benefit consumers by increasing competition, spurring innovation, and bearing down on prices.
	Despite the current difficult conditions affecting the telecommunications sector world-wide, all of the UK operators are proceeding with plans to roll out 3G networks, and government expect UK consumers to be among the first in the world to benefit from 3G services. Oftel regularly reviews competition in mobile markets and could use either sectoral powers or Competition Act powers to address potential failures in competition. Rebo

Employment Tribunal Membership: Freemasonry Question

Lord Burnham: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why the application form for lay membership of employment tribunals contains the question ''Are you a Freemason?'' when no other voluntary associations are singled out for declaration, and
	Whether the question ''Are you a Freemason?'' contained in application forms for lay membership of employment tribunals is in breach of human rights legislation and the European Convention on Human Rights; and whether this represents unfair discrimination.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: First, I would like to reassure the noble Lord that the answer to the ''Are you a Freemason?'' question has no impact on this selection process. The decision on appointment as a lay member to an employment tribunal will be based on how far applicants meet the published criteria. Whether or not candidates are freemasons has no bearing on their suitability for these posts.
	The Home Affairs Select Committee's third report Freemasonry in the Police and the Judiciary, published in March 1997, recommended that a register should be established in order to promote greater openness about membership of the freemasons in the criminal justice system. Although the Select Committee's report had found no clear evidence of freemasonry exerting any improper influence within the criminal justice system, it concluded that suspicions about the influence of freemasonry were damaging to the credibility of the criminal justice system, and that the greatest cause of the suspicions was the secrecy surrounding freemasons. On 17 February 1998 the Home Secretary announced that the Government accepted the committee's proposal.
	Consistent with the Government's response, the Lord Chancellor decided that new appointees to judicial office for which he was responsible in both the civil and criminal justice system should be required to declare whether or not they are freemasons. Employment tribunal lay members act in a judicial capacity and it is the policy of my department to adopt the same approach to these appointments. Equally we are committed to transparency in public appointments.
	The Government believe that the requirement to disclose membership of the freemasons as a condition of appointment of the application form for these appointments is not incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights and does not represent unfair discrimination. Rebo

Mandatory Labelling Schemes

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their annual budget for programmes that help United Kingdom retailers comply with mandatory labelling schemes resulting from European Union directives; and
	What is their annual budget for educational and promotional information campaigns aimed at United Kingdom consumers on mandatory labelling schemes resulting from European Union directives.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: There is no single or fixed government budget for either. Departments with responsibility for the particular legislation will allocate funds for these purposes as required. Requirements will depend on the scope and age of the legislation concerned.

Strata Florida: Proposed Windfarm

Lord Roberts of Conwy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have registered an objection to the proposed windfarm near Strata Florida Abbey in mid-Wales; and, if so, on what grounds.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: No application has yet been made under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's consent to construct and operate a windfarm at Strata Florida. If an application is made, it will be advertised and an opportunity given to those who wish to make representations to do so.

Women Offenders

Lord Acton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Answer by the Lord Rooker on 29 November 2001, (HL Deb, cols 456-7), whether they have decided to establish a board responsible for women in the criminal justice system as recommended by the Lord Chief Justice.

Lord Rooker: Since I last responded to this Question from my noble friend on 29 January 2002 (Official Report, col. WA 23) the Government have announced the establishment of a new Correctional Services Board which will set the overarching strategy for the correctional services, monitor performance, review allocation of resources and encourage joint working. An early focus for the board will be the need to improve services in relation to 18 to 20 year-olds, with the potential to expand this focus to other groups, including women. The development and direction of the work of the board will be informed by the review of the operation of the youth justice system, which provides a useful model for the distinct treatment of a particular group of offenders, including women. Rebo

Terrorism and International Terrorism: Definitions

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will define what they understand by (i) terrorism; and (ii) international terrorism; whether their policy is the same in both cases; and what is that policy.

Lord Rooker: The Terrorism Act 2000 defines "terrorism" as the use or threat, for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause, of action which involves serious violence against a person or serious damage to property, endangers a person's life, creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public, or is designed seriously to interfere with or seriously disrupt an electronic system.
	The Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 defines an "international terrorist" as a person who is or has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of international terrorism, is a member of an international terrorist group or has links with an international terrorist group—where terrorism has the same definition as set out in the Terrorism Act 2000.
	The Government are completely opposed to all forms of terrorism, from whatever quarter, and will take firm action to combat it under the powers provided by Parliament.

Brigadier Stephen Saunders

Lord Marlesford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What progress has been made by the Greek authorities in bringing to justice those who, on 8 June 2000, murdered Brigadier Stephen Saunders, the United Kingdom Defence Attaché in Athens; whether they are satisfied with this progress; and, if not, what action they intend to take.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: In the Government's view, it is vital that the investigation into the murder of Brigadier Saunders is brought to a satisfactory conclusion and those responsible brought to justice. We co-operate very closely with the Greek Government, who lead the investigation, and they, like we, remain committed to pursuing the case. Operational details of the case must clearly remain confidential. I personally discussed it with Prime Minister Simitis, Foreign Minister Papandreou and Public Order Minister Chrysohoides on 26 March. Rebo

Russian Federation: Religious Freedom

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they consider that any of the following events demonstrate denials of freedom of conscience and religious liberty by the Russian Federation:
	(a) the refusal of entry to Russia for Bishop J Mazur on 19 April;
	(b) the picketing of the Bishop's cathedral in Siberia, during a religious service on 21 April;
	(c) the removal of a current Russian visa from the passport of the Reverend S Caprio at Moscow airport, on or before 11 April; and
	(d) difficulties and delays imposed on 3 April on the building of a Roman Catholic church in the city of Pskov; and whether they will raise these matters with the Russian Government, directly and multilaterally, in the context of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of religious freedom and we condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief. Her Majesty's Government are aware of these events and are watching developments closely. The European Union has collectively called on the Russian Federation authorities to clarify the cases of Bishop Jerzy Mazur and Father Stefano Caprio. We continue to be concerned at the difficulties faced by some religious organisations in Russia. We have regularly raised our concerns with the Russian authorities and will continue to do so.

Gibraltar

Lord Hoyle: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether a timetable and agenda have been set for the talks between the British Government and the Spanish Government on the negotiations on the future of Gibraltar.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Talks under the Brussels Process are continuing. The Minister for Europe met his Spanish counterpart in London on 9 May. They had a friendly and constructive meeting, though substantial difficulties remain. We remain committed to reaching an agreement if possible. The Foreign Secretary will meet the Spanish Foreign Minister next week to discuss Gibraltar among other issues. Rebo

Abortion

Baroness Young: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each health authority (a) the numbers of abortions and (b) the numbers of conceptions per 1,000 under the age of 16 years for each of the past three years for which figures are available.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter to Baroness Young from the National Statistician and Registrar General, dated May 2002.
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what (a) the numbers of abortions and (b) the numbers of conceptions per 1,000 under the age of 16 years were for each of the last three years for which figures are available, by health authority.[HL4103]
	The most recent available figures are for 1998–2000 and are shown in the attached table.
	
		Under-age conceptions and abortions—rates per 1,000 women aged 13–15 by health authority of usual residence 1998–2000
		
			  Conceptions Abortion 
			  1998 1999 2000 1998–2000 1998 1999 2000 1998–2000 
			 England and Wales 9.0 8.3 8.3 8.5 4.0 3.8 3.8 3.9 
			 England 8.8 8.2 8.3 8.4 4.0 3.8 3.9 3.9 
			 Regional offices and health authorities 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 10.3 9.3 9.0 9.5 4.4 4.0 4.1 4.1 
			 Bradford 9.6 8.2 7.9 8.5 4.5 2.9 3.0 3.5 
			 Calderdale and Kirklees 10.3 9.4 8.0 9.2 2.9 3.9 3.1 3.3 
			 County Durham 11.2 9.0 8.9 9.7 4.9 3.6 4.2 4.2 
			 East Riding 11.9 8.8 9.3 10.0 5.3 3.8 4.5 4.5 
			 Gateshead and South Tyneside 10.8 9.8 10.7 10.4 5.0 4.2 4.6 4.6 
			 Leeds 9.4 10.4 8.2 9.4 3.5 5.0 3.8 4.1 
			 Newcastle and North Tyneside 10.7 8.7 11.4 10.2 5.0 3.3 5.4 4.6 
			 North Cumbria 9.2 8.5 10.0 9.2 5.2 4.2 5.4 4.9 
			 North Yorkshire 6.0 6.3 5.9 6.1 3.3 2.9 3.4 3.2 
			 Northumberland 7.7 7.3 8.6 7.9 2.6 3.4 4.0 3.3 
			 Sunderland 13.7 12.3 11.9 12.6 5.5 5.6 5.4 5.5 
			 Tees 13.8 12.3 11.3 12.5 5.8 5.3 4.2 5.1 
			 Wakefield 10.7 11.4 8.5 10.2 4.3 4.3 3.9 4.1 
			 Trent 10.5 9.2 8.5 9.4 4.4 4.3 3.7 4.1 
			 Barnsley 13.6 8.7 9.3 10.5 6.0 2.5 5.4 4.6 
			 Doncaster 15.7 13.6 12.7 14.0 6.0 6.8 6.2 6.3 
			 Leicestershire 9.1 6.7 6.5 7.4 4.2 3.1 2.7 3.3 
			 Lincolnshire 9.9 8.4 7.6 8.6 4.5 4.2 3.0 3.9 
			 North Derbyshire 7.8 6.6 4.8 6.4 4.0 3.3 2.5 3.2 
			 North Nottinghamshire 11.4 9.3 7.8 9.5 4.2 3.9 2.3 3.5 
			 Nottingham 9.0 8.9 9.4 9.1 3.2 3.9 4.0 3.7 
			 Rotherham 11.3 12.5 7.9 10.6 2.3 5.4 3.7 3.8 
			 Sheffield 11.7 11.5 10.9 11.4 6.2 5.4 4.9 5.5 
			 South Humber 12.5 12.0 10.0 11.5 5.3 5.9 4.6 5.3 
			 Southern Derbyshire 9.6 9.2 9.1 9.3 3.3 4.6 3.6 3.9 
			 Eastern 6.8 6.5 6.2 6.5 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.1 
			 Bedfordshire 7.5 7.7 8.2 7.8 3.8 3.8 4.2 3.9 
			 Cambridgeshire 7.2 5.9 5.2 6.1 2.9 2.7 2.8 2.8 
			 Hertfordshire 5.5 6.6 5.5 5.9 2.5 3.3 2.4 2.7 
			 Norfolk 6.1 7.4 6.3 6.6 3.0 3.4 3.0 3.1 
			 North Essex 6.8 6.1 6.0 6.3 2.7 3.5 2.6 2.9 
			 South Essex 9.1 7.4 8.2 8.2 4.4 3.5 2.6 2.9 
			 Suffolk 5.9 4.8 5.0 5.3 2.5 2.0 2.2 2.2 
			 London 9.8 8.9 10.3 9.7 4.9 4.4 5.3 4.9 
			 Barking and Havering 6.7 8.4 10.8 8.6 4.7 4.3 6.2 5.1 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey 7.8 6.4 10.2 8.2 3.5 3.7 4.6 4.0 
			 Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 9.4 8.8 7.6 8.6 5.1 3.8 3.9 4.3 
			 Brent and Harrow 6.7 7.0 8.5 7.4 3.3 3.1 4.7 3.7 
			 Camden and Islington 7.9 10.1 9.4 9.1 4.5 4.9 4.4 4.6 
			 Croydon 13.0 11.3 13.0 12.4 6.8 5.6 6.5 5.3 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 8.1 9.5 9.2 8.9 3.0 4.3 4.9 4.1 
			 East London and The City 13.6 10.1 14.2 12.6 5.7 4.9 6.9 5.8 
			 Hillingdon 11.3 6.5 7.4 8.4 5.8 3.6 3.2 4.2 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 5.8 8.1 8.4 7.4 3.2 3.6 4.7 3.8 
			 Kingston and Richmond 5.8 4.1 3.6 4.5 3.8 1.7 1.9 2.5 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 16.4 15.1 16.0 15.8 7.8 7.7 7.6 7.7 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 11.1 8.4 10.9 10.1 5.8 4.4 6.3 5.5 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 7.1 6.3 8.2 7.2 3.8 3.4 5.5 4.3 
			 South East 6.9 6.8 6.9 6.9 3.2 3.2 3.4 3.3 
			 Berkshire 8.5 7.4 7.7 7.8 3.5 4.4 3.8 3.9 
			 Buckinghamshire 6.3 5.9 5.5 5.9 3.2 2.7 3.0 3.0 
			 East Kent 8.8 8.0 8.5 8.5 3.2 3.2 3.6 3.3 
			 East Surrey 4.8 4.1 4.8 4.6 2.7 2.0 3.0 2.6 
			 East Sussex, Brighton and Hove 7.8 7.7 7.6 7.7 3.6 2.8 4.1 3.5 
			 Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire 8.3 7.7 7.8 7.9 3.7 3.6 4.1 3.8 
			 North and Mid Hampshire 5.4 4.5 4.4 4.7 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.1 
			 Northamptonshire 8.9 7.9 10.4 9.1 3.8 4.3 4.4 4.2 
			 Oxfordshire 4.6 6.5 6.6 6.0 3.1 2.7 3.4 3.1 
			 Southampton and South West Hampshire 6.8 7.1 7.1 7.0 3.7 3.3 2.6 3.2 
			 West Kent 6.7 8.5 7.3 7.5 3.1 3.4 3.5 3.3 
			 West Surrey 4.3 5.3 4.2 4.6 1.8 3.2 2.1 2.4 
			 West Sussex 7.5 5.0 6.5 6.3 4.1 3.0 3.0 3.4 
			 South West 7.6 7.5 7.1 7.4 3.6 3.5 3.4 3.5 
			 Avon 7.7 8.7 8.0 8.1 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.8 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 7.7 6.3 7.4 7.1 3.2 3.5 3.1 3.3 
			 Dorset 7.3 6.8 6.1 6.7 3.7 3.1 3.5 3.4 
			 Gloucestershire 8.7 6.6 8.4 7.9 3.9 3.5 3.5 3.6 
			 North and East Devon 6.8 6.9 6.0 6.5 2.9 2.3 3.1 2.8 
			 Somerset 8.0 7.8 7.1 7.6 4.0 3.9 3.4 3.8 
			 South and West Devon 7.3 8.4 7.7 7.8 3.4 4.6 3.0 3.6 
			 Wiltshire 7.4 7.4 6.0 6.9 3.9 3.3 3.2 3.5 
			 West Midlands 10.4 8.8 9.7 9.6 4.6 3.9 4.4 4.3 
			 Birmingham 11.9 9.3 10.2 10.5 4.5 3.6 4.4 4.2 
			 Coventry 10.4 9.4 11.8 10.6 4.5 4.4 5.2 4.7 
			 Dudley 11.5 8.7 10.7 10.3 4.7 4.6 5.5 4.9 
			 Herefordshire 6.7 5.6 9.8 7.4 3.5 2.8 4.8 3.7 
			 North Staffordshire 12.0 9.1 8.9 10.0 5.3 3.0 3.1 3.8 
			 Sandwell 12.7 14.4 12.2 13.1 5.1 5.4 6.2 5.6 
			 Shropshire 8.5 6.8 9.2 8.2 4.6 3.0 4.7 4.1 
			 Solihull 8.5 5.9 5.5 6.6 5.8 1.8 2.7 3.4 
			 South Staffordshire 7.4 8.0 9.0 8.1 3.6 4.5 4.3 4.1 
			 Walsall 17.9 13.9 11.1 14.3 4.9 4.4 4.3 4.5 
			 Warwickshire 7.4 7.4 8.4 7.7 4.3 4.2 4.5 4.3 
			 Wolverhampton 14.4 12.3 12.9 13.2 5.6 6.4 5.4 5.8 
			 Worcestershire 7.1 5.7 7.5 6.8 4.5 3.3 3.8 3.8 
			 North West 8.9 8.8 8.6 8.8 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.7 
			 Bury and Rochdale 10.3 10.3 9.3 9.9 4.1 4.2 3.7 4.0 
			 East Lancashire 10.8 11.2 10.8 11.0 5.4 5.5 4.3 5.1 
			 Liverpool 8.4 8.9 8.7 8.7 3.1 3.6 2.7 3.1 
			 Manchester 10.8 9.5 8.8 9.7 2.9 3.1 3.6 3.2 
			 Morecambe Bay 8.1 7.5 8.1 7.9 4.4 2.9 2.9 3.4 
			 North Cheshire 9.0 10.2 8.0 9.1 4.6 5.3 4.0 4.6 
			 North West Lancashire 9.4 9.4 10.6 9.8 4.3 4.2 5.0 4.5 
			 Salford and Trafford 8.3 8.6 8.3 8.4 3.2 3.2 3.8 3.4 
			 Sefton 7.2 5.7 5.7 6.2 2.9 1.6 2.0 2.2 
			 South Cheshire 6.2 6.4 6.3 6.3 2.4 3.0 3.2 2.9 
			 South Lancashire 8.2 4.5 7.4 6.7 3.1 2.6 2.2 2.6 
			 St Helens and Knowsley 9.5 9.9 9.7 9.7 3.0 3.3 3.7 3.3 
			 Stockport 4.2 7.3 5.9 5.8 3.2 3.7 2.1 3.0 
			 West Pennine 11.0 9.0 9.3 9.7 4.7 3.3 3.9 4.0 
			 Wigan and Bolton 9.6 12.7 9.3 10.5 4.7 4.7 4.6 4.7 
			 Wirral 8.9 7.2 8.8 8.3 3.8 4.0 4.3 4.0 
			 Wales 10.7 9.5 8.5 9.6 4.2 3.8 3.4 3.8 
			 Bro Taf 11.5 10.1 8.5 10.0 4.4 3.8 3.8 4.0 
			 Dyfed Powys 8.7 6.1 7.1 7.3 3.6 3.4 3.1 3.3 
			 Gwent 11.4 10.6 10.2 10.7 4.6 4.2 3.4 4.0 
			 Morgannwg 13.7 10.1 9.3 11.0 5.2 4.5 4.3 4.7 
			 North Wales 8.3 9.8 7.6 8.6 3.5 3.2 2.6 3.1 
		
	
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics.

Abortion

Baroness Masham of Ilton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the number of women refused an abortion because their particular circumstances do not fit the criteria in the Abortion Act 1967.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	A pregnancy may be terminated only if two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion, formed in good faith that an abortion is justified within the terms of the Abortion Act, in the light of their clinical judgment of all the particular circumstances of the individual case.

Abortion

Baroness Masham of Ilton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the number of women who are expecting a disabled child and who have refused an abortion.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	If an abnormality is diagnosed, a termination may be raised as one of the options available if two medical practitioners are of the opinion that there are grounds for a termination under the Abortion Act 1967.

Abortion

Baroness Masham of Ilton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether it is their policy to promote the equal status and rights of people with disabilities including the right to life; and
	Whether an abortion is usually offered to a woman who is carrying a disabled child; and, if so, whether this is consistent with a policy of equal rights for disabled people; and
	What advice is given to women expecting a disabled baby.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: It is the Government's policy to promote the equal rights of disabled people. Equality, fair treatment and social inclusion lie at the heart of the Government's plans to modernise public services. The NHS Plan recognises that we live in a diverse society and sets out as core principles that the NHS will shape its services around the needs of the patient; be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within society; and challenge discrimination on the grounds of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability and sexuality.
	Shifting the Balance of Power within the NHS entails supporting front-line staff to better respond to the needs of all sections of the community and delivering more responsive high quality services to all. Rebo
	The Human Rights Act 1998 brings the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic legislation. Article 2 of that convention protects the right to life and makes no distinction between people who do or do not have disabilities. The Government consider that the 1967 Abortion Act, as amended, to be in compliance with Article 2 and the Human Rights Act. Under English law a foetus is not recognised as being a separate person from its mother, and does not have legal rights.
	The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' guideline Termination of Pregnancy for fetal abnormality (1996) indicates the importance of offering parents information about all of the options available to them. This should include the implications of continuing the pregnancy as well as the implications of termination. The guideline states that if an abnormality has been detected and two medical practitioners are of the opinion that there are grounds for a termination under the Abortion Act, the woman should be advised that she has this option. The guideline also states that the woman needs to be given enough information and time to help her understand the nature of the foetal abnormality and the probable outcome of the pregnancy in order that she can make an informed decision as to whether or not to proceed with the pregnancy.

Abortion

Lord McColl of Dulwich: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the number of selective reduction abortions in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The information requested is in the table.
	
		Legal abortions - selective termination, England & Wales, 1996–2000
		
			  Number of cases 
			 1996 59 
			 1997 53 
			 1998 65 
			 1999 45 
			 2000 37 
		
	
	Source: Department of Health, Statistics Division 2B
	Footnote: The data refers to residents only

Abortion

Lord McColl of Dulwich: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they require doctors performing selective reduction of pregnancies to require a certificate stating the grounds for termination of unborn babies under the Abortion Act 1967.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Section 37 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 amended the Abortion Act 1967 to make it clear that selective termination of pregnancy (termination of one or more, but not all, foetuses in a multiple pregnancy) may be performed if the requirements of the 1967 Act are fulfilled, but not otherwise. Notification of such abortions to the Chief Medical Officer has been required since 1 April 1991.
	Two registered medical practitioners have to complete a certificate of opinion stating which grounds of the Act are fulfilled before the termination can take place.

Abortion

Lord McColl of Dulwich: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the total number of abortions performed since 1968; how many were to save the life of the mother; and what percentage this represents of the total.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The number of abortions performed in England and Wales on residents of England and Wales in the years 1968 to 2000 was 4.38 million. Of these 39,400, representing 0.9 per cent of the total, were performed under sections 1(1)(c) and 1(4) of the Abortion Act 1967. These are cases where the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated or where the termination is immediately necessary to save the life or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant women. Rebo

Birth Defects

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 10 April (WA 99), why, in the light of the reported increase of birth defects attributable to the use of recreational drugs by young mothers and an increase in oestrogen-like substances in the diet, data are not collected centrally; and whether they have any plans to revise this policy.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Office for National Statistics collects information on live born babies and stillbirths with congenital anomalies through the National Congenital Anomaly System (NCAS). Reporting to NCAS is voluntary and notifications are sent by regions where there are local registers or by National Health Service trusts. NCAS does not collect information on drug usage in pregnancy. The Department of Health will consider evidence which suggests a causal factor for birth defects.
	The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is aware of concerns regarding consumption of plant-based foods containing naturally occurring estrogen-like chemicals, known as phytoestrogens. A study published in 2000 suggested the incidence of hypospadias (an abnormality of the male genitals) was higher in babies of mothers who follow a vegetarian diet. The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) reviewed the study but concluded there was insufficient evidence to support this hypothesis.
	The FSA is currently funding a large programme of research to investigate the pubic health implications of phytoestrogens. Additionally, at the request of the FSA, an expert group of the COT is reviewing the health implications of phytoestrogens. The group aims to publish a report of their findings in the autumn this year (2002).

Food Imports

Baroness Byford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they accept that some food imported into the United Kingdom is produced to lesser standards than required of United Kingdom farmers; and whether they will consider (a) demanding stricter labelling and greater information on the food product or (b) banning such products.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Food imported into the United Kingdom must meet food safety standards at least equivalent to those required of UK producers. Banning imports produced to these standards is illegal under the Treaty of Rome and World Trade Organisation rules.
	The Government are in favour of positive labelling to highlight the advantages of high British standards, for example of animal welfare. The Food Standards Agency is taking the lead in pressing for changes to European labelling rules to require country of origin labelling on a wider range of foods, particularly meat products. It is also pressing for changes that would prevent misleading labelling by restricting the use of terms like "product of . . ." to those foods where the main ingredients come from, and production processes occur in, the named place or country.

NHS: Workforce Information

Lord Jacobs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In the National Health Service at the end of fiscal years 1996–97 and 2001–02, what was the number, actual or estimated, of (a) all employees; (b) doctors; (c) nurses; (d) other medical staff; (e) ancillary staff; and (f) other designated groups.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Workforce information is collected annually on 30 September. The latest date for which information is available is 30 September 2001.
	Between September 1997 and September 2001 the number of consultants increased by 4,320 (20 per cent) and the number of nurses by 31,520 (10 per cent).
	
		NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) and General Practice staff: All NHS staff as at 30 September each year -- Headcount
		
			  1996 1997 2000 2001 
			 Total excluding GP retainers(1) 1,056,500 1,058,690 1,117,840 1,166,020 
			 All doctors 86,580 89,620 97,440 100,320 
			 All doctors excluding retainers 86,580 89,620 96,320 99,170 
			 Consultants 20,300 21,370 24,310 25,690 
			 of which hospital medical consultants 19,220 20,200 23,040 24,400 
			 Registrar group 11,380 11,910 12,730 13,220 
			 of which hospital medical registrar group 10,840 11,360 12,160 12,650 
			 Other doctors in training 18,640 19,550 20,270 20,690 
			 of which hospital medical doctors in training 16,990 17,920 18,690 19,070 
			 Hospital practitioners and clinical assistants(2) 6,740 6,610 5,620 5,360 
			 Other hospital medical staff 3,330 3,780 5,860 6,360 
			 Other medical and dental staff 3,820 3,620 2,900 2,530 
			 GMPs excluding retainers 29,120 29,390 30,250 30,680 
			 Unrestricted principals and equivalents 26,860 27,100 27,700 27,840 
			 Other practitioners(3) 960 950 890 960 
			 GP registrars 1,300 1,340 1,660 1,880 
			 GP retainers . . . . 1,120 1,150 
			 Qualified Nurses 319,150 318,860 335,950 350,380 
			 HCHS qualified nurses 301,250 300,470 316,750 330,540 
			 Practice nurses(4) 17,900 18,390 19,200 19,850 
			 Qualified scientific, therapeutic and technical staff 94,320 96,300 105,910 110,240 
			 of which: qualified Allied Health Professionals(5) 43,910 45,020 49,360 51,320 
			 Other staff 556,450 553,910 579,660 606,220 
			 HCHS unqualified nursing staff(6) 137,630 140,940 153,590 163,190 
			 Unqualified scientific, therapeutic and technical staff 24,330 24,340 26,590 28,810 
			 Management and support staff(7) 315,010 306,970 316,410 329,750 
			 Practice staff other than nurses(8) 79,480 81,660 83,070 84,470 
		
	
	Notes:
	(1) Figures for GP retainers were first collected in 1999. They are excluded from this total so that figures are comparable across years.
	(2) Most of these doctors also work as GPs. To avoid double counting, medical hospital practitioners and medical clinical assistants are not included in the All Doctors total.
	(3) Other Practitioners include Assistants, Restricted Principals, Salaried Doctors (para 52 SFA) and PMS Other GPs.
	(4) Practice nurse headcount information was estimated in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998 and 1999. Underlying figures for 2000 suggest the practice nurse figure may be an overestimate.
	(5) Allied Health Professionals are qualified staff from chiropody, dietetics, occupational therapy, orthoptics/optics, physiotherapy, radiography and art/music/drama therapy occupational codes.
	(6) Includes Healthcare Assistants and learners (but excludes nurses in training).
	(7) Includes ambulance staff, administrative & estates staff, support and other staff.
	(8) Includes Direct Patient Care, Admin & Clerical and Other.
	Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts.
	. . Not applicable.
	Source:
	Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.
	Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census.
	Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics.

Smallpox Vaccine

Lord Tebbit: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the smallpox vaccine to be supplied by PowderJect Ltd will be produced in the United Kingdom.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The contract awarded to PowderJect is for smallpox vaccine manufactured in Germany by PowderJect's partner company, Bavarian Nordic.

Specified Risk Material

Baroness Byford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the latest requirement to treat as specified risk material vertebral column from animals over 30 months, slaughtered under the Beef Allowance Scheme, differs in any way from previous requirements.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (England) Regulations 2002, which came into force on 19 April 2002, require the vertebral column of all cattle over 30 months to be removed, stained and disposed of as specified risk material. The vertebral column of such animals must be removed at cutting plants specifically licensed for the purpose, under the supervision of the Meat Hygiene Service.
	In the United Kingdom, the only cattle aged over 30 months at slaughter that may enter the food chain are those from low BSE-risk beef assurance scheme (BAS) herds, as they are the only domestic animals exempt from the general prohibition on the sale for human
	consumption of fresh meat from bovines aged over 30 months. Previously there had been no domestic requirement to remove vertebral column from BAS animals.

National Insurance Contributions: Charities

Lord Morris of Manchester: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What calculations have been made of the costs of the proposed rise in national insurance contributions to charities providing 24-hour care, supported accommodation and home care for long-term sick and disabled people; and whether they will consult the Enham Trust and other charities affected about the consequences of the proposal for them, and for those they work to help.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: It is estimated that the changes to employers' national insurance contributions announced in the Budget will increase pay costs on average by 0.7 per cent next year.

Smoking: Public Transport

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What proposals they have to ban smoking on all public transport.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: As set out in the White paper Smoking Kills, we are working with businesses and others to achieve change on exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking on public transport is a matter for the transport operators, and we support the bans operators have introduced.

State Retirement Pension: Postponement of Receipt

Lord Vinson: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	If a male pensioner of 65 elects to postpone receiving his old age pension until age 70, what age he will have to reach in order to recover, by way of an enhanced pension, the income forgone, and thereby reap any additional benefit.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: Such a person would have to reach the age of 84, assuming no uprating and no investment return on the income forgone. Whether it is worthwhile to defer retirement pension depends on the circumstances of the person concerned.

Child Benefit

Lord Higgins: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	To what extent any reduction in child benefit to a low-income family would result in an increase in other social security benefits; and which benefits would be affected.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: Income-related benefits (IRBs) normally take child benefit into account as income in the assessment. This has the effect of reducing the amount of the IRB payable. The implications for the IRBs would have to be considered in any development of child benefit policy.